Constitution Gives Judiciary Right To Review Legislation: CJP

Islamabad (February 20, 2018): Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar clearing his stance over parliament’s supremacy said that although parliament is supreme institution but it cannot draft a law which comes in conflict with the constitution as apex court holds the right to review any legislation.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that the constitution gives judiciary the right to review legislation made by the parliament.

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The remarks by the chief justice were made during hearing of media commission case by a three-member bench of the apex court.

Justice Nisar said that he is again stating today, before media representatives, that the parliament is supreme, adding, “We have been told that we are interfering.”

“Parliament is supreme but there is another thing above the parliament, which is named constitution,” he said. “Our limits have been defined by the constitution.“The constitution gives the right to review legislation made in the parliament,” Justice Nisar said.

He noted that the legislature does not have any authority in contrast with the constitution and that it cannot make any legislation in violation of basic rights.

A day earlier Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi strongly criticized the superior judiciary for labeling elected representatives as “thieves and looters” and also asked for a debate in the House on whether the government has the right to take legislative decisions.He also made complaints of media reporting and said media should avoid quoting his remarks without context, however action against channels or their closure the responsibility of PEMRA.